Butler chooses Louisiana Tech

Published 6:00 pm, Tuesday, January 13, 2004

When it came to making a choice, the All-District 23-4A Defensive Player of the Year wanted to go to a place where he felt right at home. Louisiana Tech provided the homey feeling.

Because of that atmosphere, the Friendswood linebacker made a verbal commitment to the Ruston-based school.

He is the second Friendswood player to make a verbal commitment. Earlier in the fall, offensive lineman Jake Ebner announced University of Houston as his choice.

Verbal commitments are non-binding until the athlete signs a scholarship on the Feb. 4 National Signing Date.

"I like the coaches a lot," said Butler, who was also being recruited by Rice, TCU, Idaho and Air Force Academy. "That's what you're really going for. You have to enjoy the people you're going to be around for the next four or five years .

"I'm looking forward to playing in the WAC (Western Athletic Conference). There's a lot of passing and it's going to be fun. I'm looking forward to it."

Butler made a big impression on the Bulldog coaches, who are planning to use him at either strong safety or outside linebacker.

Not only is he a standout on defense, but the Friendswood senior is a top-notch punter after earning All-District 23-4A honors at the spot.

What makes that even more exciting is, Butler will get to perform both duties at Louisiana Tech.

There's a good chance he'll be seeing action as a freshman.

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"I want to play," Butler said. "I'm going to work on getting stronger. I'm going to work a lot on my punting and get used to college football